It’s been a while, and I hope you are well! All good here, just a bit hectic and busy. Nothing monumental at this time. But, I may have exciting news in the near future – fingers crossed. That’s all I can say for now. In the meantime, warm greetings to you all! And a few new photos of the shop.
Be back soon~
Be back soon~
Loi
I photographed this Gustavian blue-gray painted chest over the weekend. It is a classic Swedish Gustavian chest in many ways: the leaf-tip trim, clean lines, and 3 graduated drawers. A pair of myrtle topiaries from Snug Harbor Farm flank antique Swedish botanical legumes. The silvery-gold frame is from the 19th century.
Two Swedish painted tables with very different forms. The top is a round tea table with a lipped edge and guilloche trim. It makes a lovely center or side table flanked by club chairs. The bottom is a classical style console with candle slides. A pair of fanciful candlesticks would have been used on this console to illuminate a 19th century hall, I suspect.
Another Gustavian chest, only smaller. This would’ve been used as a bedside commode. Notice the unusual beading on the bottom. More updates will be posted to Tone on Tone’s website soon.
Oh, we do have one change at home. I’ve become really fond of old Oriental rugs. Nothing precious or valuable, just the opposite. I’ve been on the hunt for tattered and worn Orientals….you know, almost threadbare. They can be difficult to find as most rug dealers will restore before selling old rugs.
Imagine my delight when Amy, a dear friend, told me about her grandmother’s rug in attic. Me: Can I have it? Amy: Consider it a long term loan. Deal! 🙂
We love our rug – it’s perfectly imperfect. And a warm way to cozy up the kitchen for fall. Huge thanks to Amy and Steve! Love you guys!!
Dear Loi! I am at the edge of my seat, and can't wait to hear your exciting news! 😉 I'm happy for you, whatever it may be!!
Loving your light-filled kitchen and the rug….one of my weaknesses too….
Wishing you a splendid week!
xoxo,
– Irina
LOVE the old worn rug. I never would have thought to use a old worn rug but now I'm in love with the idea! Thanks for the inspiration! Can't wait to hear your exciting news!
Hi Loi,
Beautiful photos of the shop's treasures. Your new found treasure and long term loan, pretty and pristine, is paying off beautifully in that immaculate kitchen of yours! Crete is strewn with gems like this, in hallways, kitchens and as little bedside welcome mats to warm cold feet, upon first steps on winter mornings!
Can't wait to hear your news…knowing you, it's going to be grand!!
Have a happy week!
xo
Poppy
I have several oriental carpets and rugs at home but no an old one! They certainely keep the charm and elegance of ancient times that's why they are so precious.Your kitchen and everything you show us touches the perfection Loi, I must have some slack to thrive, don't you? I'm looking forward of your exciting news…
Warm greetings!
Olympia
Hi Loi, Ok, I'm curious and anxious to hear your big news! Besides, I love your kitchen, complete with old and loved rug. Your details are pitch perfect–paint color, feet on island and cabinets, marble countertop, and buffet covered in lovely white ironstone! I missed a stop at your shop when I was in DC–next time, I promise, where I hope to see that charming round table in person.
It would be lovely to chat Scandinavia in person. Hope to see you soon 🙂
Good to know that all is well with you Loi and that some exciting news may be winging its way to you in the future – I will cross my fingers too. I love the candle slide feature on the console table, very attractive.
Hello Loi, I love the various botanical prints you show, and am also an admirer of old oriental rugs, of which your recent 'appropriation' is a prime example. Please don't keep us in suspense too long with your Big News.
–Jim
I'VE GOT CHILLS! I adore your style Loi, you know that! And this is the first time for me that I've seen your TDF kitchen; I'm going to gently convince (hahhahhaa) my husband to paint our kitchen white/gray this summer. Wish me luck!
OK, again, we must get down to business here; those Gustavian dressers are just wonderful, and I need to find myself one, or a reasonable facsimile! The soft and understated elegance is just what I love to live with, and no one puts it all together like you my friend. AND now you have us on pins and needles about your good news! You know you've got our dedication as friends, but now, we can't wait to find out what your good news is. I wish you so much success and joy dearest Loi! OK, now to go get ready for school…LOVE! Anita
Thanks, Anita! Paint that kitchen…..you'll love it gray or white 🙂
Lovely photos, Loi! Good to know that all is welll and fingers crossed for you too. Wishing you great success!
xo
Deborah
Such lovely things! I too am a fan of the tattered Oriental rugs. I have gotten a few on eBay but you are right, tattered is hard to find.
Exciting news? Oh, why do you tease so? But you've more than made up for teasing us with these gorgeous pieces. Your 'long-term loan' rug is such a perfect complement to your lovely kitchen.
Hello Loi, Such lovely things! I love the various botanical prints you show, and am also an admirer of old oriental rugs
it is always such a treat to visit here, loi. your kitchen is amazing, but I gasped at the rug. I have one almost like it, more worn perhaps, in my hallway. I need to photograph it! I got it from a street vendor in DC years ago at the Eastern Market for a song, because it was so tattered. "Really?" I thought, that's WHY I LOVE IT! donna
That is a great tip re: Eastern Market. I haven't been in years!!! Also the Georgetown Flea Mkt.
Dear Loi
The furnishings you feature always take my breath away.
It is so interesting that years ago (maybe 30) I was often in the home of a friend as our sons were in Scouts together.
She is well to do and yet she had layer upon layer of worn Oriental rugs in her home. They were family heirlooms and I came to understand their beauty and history.
xoxo
Karena
2013 Designer & Artists Series
The rug looks amazing in your kitchen. What a great friend. Good luck with the potentially exciting news.
Loi that rug is fabulous! What a sweet friend. It looks PERFECT in the kitchen. I love the table with the candle slides. What a perfect accessory to the table….I will be looking at the sides of antique tables from now on for these little pieces! Hope your exciting news will bring you up the coast!
The photos of your beautiful home and shop always leave me breathless ! Every last detail is perfection. Would you be able to tell me the paint color on your walls? I am in the process of moving from NC to PA, into a lovely 90 yr young home, and would love to achieve a similar look. I know that the light will greatly affect it but, would like a starting point. Hope to make it into your shop one day soon. Thanks for sharing the beauty around you in your fabulous blog!!
Thanks so much. The paint color is BM's classic gray. Good luck with your move!! Keep us posted.
Now I'm super curious about your news – a book maybe? Love you rug – looks gorgeous on your floors.
Thanks for sharing. Loved your kitchen so much
Cheap studios for rent in new York
love how you framed the botanicals…together rather than separately, beautiful. Enjoy the rug, a treasure
OH I CAN'T WAIT…….
When you have news, it's always FANTASTIC!
I love the old tattered Oriental Rug. So delighted that you find them interesting and that you are enjoying your find! I am fortunate to have from from my Grandmother and it's at home in MC's den. Now I know it's OK in there!!!!
Oh, what could it be? What could it be? Cover of Elle Decor? (with 10-page spread, of course) Book Deal? Your own TV show? (if so, you better have me on it!) "long term loan" LOL. You have the bestest friends in the world, but NO, you cannot have my Zuber screen. haha! Love the rug. (and everything else, here too) Love the fading and the tatters and the patina that only a long period of time can give. (unless you happen to be raising two grimy little boys and a cat who eats everything!)
One day I'll get that Zuber from you 🙂
Absolutely beautiful vignettes, those pieces are eye candy for sure!! Dont you just love Myrtle, you cant kill it if you tried, thats my kind of topiary! The rug, I love the more worn the better for me!! I cant wait to hear the good news, Karolyn
Loi…I love your rug…what a sweet friend…its perfect in your kitchen! The shop looks lovely…
That rug is perfect. I absolutely love the effect it has on the kitchen. I also love that little stool with the second Swedish table. It's just perfection. Can't wait to hear your news! Thanks for popping in, Loi!
How pretty your kitchen looks!
Hi Loi, Love your kitchen and adore that vintage rug!!!!!! Congratulations!!
xo
Holly
Can't wait to hear the news! Lot's going on here as well!!
Beautiful rug! Can't wait to hear your big news.
Berta
How exciting Loi! .. can't wait to hear whats happening:) Your rug is gorgeous and I want one too! The old, weathered look is perfect! Enjoy your Monday. xxleslie
Lovely kitchen Loi (but just what one would expect!). The rug is perfect and adds just that certain bit of faded color!
That rug is perfect and makes your kitchen look even warmer and cozier. I love it. I'm very intrigued by the console table with the candle ends. I've never seen anything like it before. Also intrigued by your possible news! Please keep us posted. Happy Monday!
Hi Loi, Thanks for the update–I love orientals worn and faded and soulful, too.
xoxoxo Mary
I, TOO, am a HUGE fan of worn Oriental Rugs…especially in the kitchen!! Validation! 🙂 franki
As always, your Swedish pieces are drool-worthy. I love the console table with the candle pull-outs! Your rug is lovely, and it reminds me of a story – as a young married woman, I went to a rug auction in hopes of of finding an old tattered rug at auction that was charming but not expensive. I found a tattered, thin rug with pretty colors, and asked for it to be brought forward for bidding. When the bidding began, the auctioneer explained that a thinner rug was more precious, and this small antique Caucasian rug ended up selling for a tidy sum! Not to me, however. 🙂
Oh love your rug!!! It looks perfect in your kitchen.
i am such a fan of worn Oriental rugs, use to find them in LA but no more + exciting news? can't wait to hear. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
OOOh, so excited, I wonder what could it be? Is it the new magazine feature? Online shop? Can't wait to find out Loi! In love with your console with the candlestick holder, simply gorgeous piece! Your perfectly imperfect rug is quite a stunner, but I think, anything in your marvelous kitchen will look stunning! Have a great week dear!
Hi Loi, Beautiful photos! I love the chest in the first one. Can't wait to hear your news!! xo, Phyllis
Hello Loi! Beautiful pieces as usual….particularly love the round tea table! Shall look forward to hearing about your exciting news!
Have a lovely week,
Sophia x
Loi,
I can't wait to hear your news…I hope its a book deal. I'd love to have your incredible style in book form.
The furniture pieces are beautiful and I always love your accessorizing.
The rug is wonderful. I was recently gifted a rug similar in age and wear for our entry. I enjoy imagining who has walked on it and where it's been.
xo,
Karen
Dying over the rug!! And the chest is amazing!
You always share so much beauty, Loi.
Teresa
xoxo
i love that you added that rug. it totally sexifies the kitchen, and you can quote me. i can't seem to find a decent vintage rug (to stand on when i sing with my 'band') that has that worn-to-pieces-goodness factor. maybe i just need to ask friends on facebook. 🙂
enjoy your work, brutha.
michele
Seems like a busy time for all of us Loi….the rug is perfect in your kitchen… And the fern botanicals…LOVE….N.xo
Everything you've shown is perfection, as is your shop. But, is there anything better than long, white tapers? I tried turning my rugs over so they had the appearance of being threadbare, but ultimately gave up when guests kept looking at them askance. All the best to you.
Thanks for your visit, Patty! I love long white tapers, too. So elegant, right?
So many lovely pieces, especially that candlestick table and your "loaner" rug! Fingers crossed for your big news!
xo Kat
I love the rug. This seems like a lot of color for you. But it seems like it's a nice balance to the lights…at least in the photo. You're right, it's very hard to find those rugs. I'm convinced they get scooped up by dealers and sold for big bucks.
I have a sneaking suspicion what your news is. Good luck!
oh Loi! Love the tattered and worn rug – what a lucky find! You have the most beautiful pieces in your store and your topiaries are just perfection. That console table is so interesting with the candlestick slides… very cool.
Hi Loi! Love the old oriental rugs, I do see them on occasion in a few of the antique stores I frequent and whether tattered or worn they seem to hold their value-lucky you that you scored one from friends:)! Can't wait to hear your news-fingers crossed. We're busy busy and I hope to be able to share more soon too. XO
Sarah
Hello Loi
I wish you the very best and hope your good news develops soon.
Your kitchen is beautiful and what a treasure the oriental rug is. If this rug could talk!
To a great week
Helen xx
Hello Loi! It is always a treat to see you pop up in my in-box! I hope that you can share your news soon! You have my wheels turning, a new house in Maine, a book deal, perhaps a TV show, or a huge spread in Elle Decor, Veranda or House Beautiful? Too many great things to contemplate.
I hope that whatever it is it makes you very happy!
Have a wonderful evening, Elizabeth
The rug looks amazing in your kitchen! loved your kitchen so much, thanks for sharing.competitive prices of beds and mattresses
Gorgeous pictures Loi! And the rug looks fabulous! What a deal!!
I am looking forward to hear about your news!
xx
Greet
Olá, fiquei curiosa sobre a noticia. Adorei essa comoda azul, linda. Ficou linda tuas mudanças na casa e o tapete belíssimo. Também gosto de tapetes com ares de gasto.
Bjos e tenha um ótimo dia.
Oh my I am crazy about that rug!!! Not everyone sees the beauty in those kinds of worn and wonderful items. Good news? You putting in a Tone on Tone in Amarillo?
Hi Loi,
What wonderful photos. I love your "new" rug. It is perfectly imperfect. Everything looks amazing. I am excited to hear your news. I will keep my fingers crossed for you my friend.
Susan xxoo
Hello Loi! So nice to visit with you again… Another beautiful post– that console with the candle slides is especially lovely!!! What an ingenious design… I also love your rug– it's just the sort of rug I'm always looking for, too!
Thanks & warm regards,
Erika
you know my finger are crossed for you!!!!
Good to hear from you, we will always be there, don't worry.
Best wishes
Everything looks amazing as usual…especially loving the rug!!!
Perfectly imperfect indeed, Loi – it looks amazing!! My fingers are crossed for all good things – can't wait to hear!!
"Perfectly Imperfect" is just so perfect in pretty much all aspects of life. Your post has made me feel a little bit braver about a purchase for our piano room that I keep thinking must be prefect. I need to let go of the perfect 'look' and go with the most comfortable look.
Thanks Loi!
By the way, your myrtles are just fabulous.
Fondly-Lisa
Hello Loi! Your Swedish furniture here are gorgeous, I hope you are having a fabulous week!
Love the furniture…LOVE! And the rug in your kitchen is picture perfect. Hope its a very long term loan:)
Hi sweet Loi, sorry I am always late to the party! I do read your posts immediately when they arrive in my email but then I am always slow to sit down to my home computer and make a comment (I hate typing on my iphone!!!!). I love the beautifully worn rug – it looks so rich in your crisp and spare kitchen. I have been busy too – wedding dress shopping so I can get it ordered before the end of the month – what a chore but fun at the same time. xo as ever, Terri
Oh, and what's your news????!! I have one idea which we discussed, but another….a book? I think you need to publish a book on your exquisite furniture and style.
xo Terri
i love your rug. I absolutely love the effect it has on the kitchen.online beds company
Hi, Loi – I always see new and exciting things in the photos of your house. I love the tiny chair that's in the same photo as your "new" oriental. I'm guessing it was a child's chair. It makes me remember how my grandparents always piled phone books on a dining room chair so I could reach the table!
Love seeing what you have in your exquisite shop! Love the old rugs too. Gorgeous eye candy as always, Loi!
Love your kitchen! I too love rugs with patina. I recently inherited 2 antique rugs which the estate appraiser described as "fine quality but showing wear which decreases the value." Ha! 🙂 Off the subject- what type of venting do you have for your stove?
Thanks, Cate. We have a retractable downdraft vent hood by Dacor.
Every image is soothing and beautiful… loving the rug!! It pops perfectly against for incredible monochromatic kitchen! …. sigh
Best wishes Loi!!
xo
Des
Oh Loi, you are naughty giving us a crumb of your exciting news & not the full meal! Anyways my dear, I'm sure you'll tell us when it's a done deal & then we can all do that squealy, excited noise en masse. That lovely old rug has found the best home.
Millie xx
Love all those botanical prints and the mix of old, weathered and new. Very tasteful and fresh. Nice pics to finish the day with.
Loi,
Whatever your secret is I'm excited…and I can wait. So glad all is well and busy…mee too! Love the weathered worn look too it's like comfort food it just feels great and looks fantastic. Stay well until the reveal…lol!
Bette
Good afternoon dear friend!
It's always a pleasure to receive a visit from you, Loi! Well, I lost my parents both 27 years ago, but writing or attempting to write poetry draws out the past, secrets, things unearthed. I have been having a terrible time with uploading photos as well, so I thought this post would be good without the photos, but I've got gray and neutrals on my mind as I sit here quietly in my home. Sending you wishes for a relaxing Sunday evening! Anita
Loi, always love seeing your wonderful antiques. I had my blog redesigned and in the process lost my blogroll and am slowly remembering my faves and adding them back. So glad I remembered yours. The wear on that oriental rug is perfect. I love when they are perfectly imperfect.
I have a persian runner very much like your rug, unfortunately it started falling apart from walking over it, had put it on a wall 🙂 it looks good there and is safe too 🙂
I always feel so refreshed when I visit!
I have a rug exactly like that in my guest bath. Something about it just makes me happy to look at it! Like an old, beloved teddy bear!
I thought of you when I created my last post! Come see!
xo
Andie
The rug is perfect for your kitchen just because it is imperfect:-). That worn look melded with the perfection of your "everything in its place" kitchen is fabulous! I envy how tidy your kitchen is! Love it! Beautiful pics of the shop. Pretty vignettes too. xx
Love your "perfectly imperfect". The rug is just great in your very white and spare kitchen. And am dying to know what's in the works!
b
Loi,
I hope you've got something fabulous up your sleeve…can't wait to hear!!! And, loving your imperfect, perfect rug. I'm sure it's a happy site in the morning when you're making breakfast or at the end of the day. If only that rug could talk….
xoxo Elizabeth
Beautiful rug! Can't wait to hear the news.UK Cheapest Online Beds Store
I always learn a little more about Swedish furniture with every visit to your fabulous blog Mr L. We have some very similar rugs that we acquire through one of our other businesses. One of our clients was getting married and disliked her husband's ex partners rugs. We arrived to see a pile of about a dozen gorgeous examples all for us for free! My kinda shopping! So, enough cloak and dagger I can't bear the suspense, what's the news?…….I think I know……..You've gone bleach blonde for Winter haven't you!
You give some awesome furniture ideas and it's really beautiful. I always love to catch new design ideas. I have a site for Living room design ideas hope you would like it. Thanks.